Cold Weather Camper Recommendations
Guys.....I am somewhat full timing while working in PA during the week...home on the weekends in VA. This winter, I learned VERY quickly that my 2013 Keystone Bullet Ultra Light is NOT made to withst...
Forum Discussion
Hi,
I believe that there are a lot of inflated claims about the level of RV insulation. And, unlike residential construction, there are no codes or enforcement of these claims. So I suggest using a fairly large dose of skepticism when listening to salespersons or reading manufactures brochures.
While light weight, quality insulation isn't without some weight. Double pane windows weight more and closed cell foam insulation is more dense (weighs more) than Styrofoam. So your quest for a light weight unit that is well insulated may have to be balanced by going smaller. Smaller has an advantage too in that there is just that much less area for heat to conduct and convect (if not sealed properly) through.
RV double pane windows don't have anywhere near the insulating properties of residential double pane windows. Yes, many, large window may "look nice", they aren't so comfortable to sit by when it's cold due to radiant heat loss and conduction through (usually) non-thermally broke frames.
Slide-out's are often not as well insulated (esp. the ceiling) as the rest of the unit, and the seals can lose considerable heat through convection.
Take a look at the wheel wells (if you can) as, likely, there is absolutely no insulation over them at all and maybe even gaps.....yet, probably, they are inside a cabinet with water lines running close (or against) them.
Then you can get into the whole battery and charging system design and how it is optimized (likely not) for cold weather use. Or the heating system (do you enjoy listening to a noisy RV furnace, or alternating between being hot and cold as the unit cycles?)
Some are better than others, but most RV's really aren't built for cold weather use. However, if you are willing to put some time, money, and elbow grease into it, they can be "improved".
Hope this helps.
Steve
I believe that there are a lot of inflated claims about the level of RV insulation. And, unlike residential construction, there are no codes or enforcement of these claims. So I suggest using a fairly large dose of skepticism when listening to salespersons or reading manufactures brochures.
While light weight, quality insulation isn't without some weight. Double pane windows weight more and closed cell foam insulation is more dense (weighs more) than Styrofoam. So your quest for a light weight unit that is well insulated may have to be balanced by going smaller. Smaller has an advantage too in that there is just that much less area for heat to conduct and convect (if not sealed properly) through.
RV double pane windows don't have anywhere near the insulating properties of residential double pane windows. Yes, many, large window may "look nice", they aren't so comfortable to sit by when it's cold due to radiant heat loss and conduction through (usually) non-thermally broke frames.
Slide-out's are often not as well insulated (esp. the ceiling) as the rest of the unit, and the seals can lose considerable heat through convection.
Take a look at the wheel wells (if you can) as, likely, there is absolutely no insulation over them at all and maybe even gaps.....yet, probably, they are inside a cabinet with water lines running close (or against) them.
Then you can get into the whole battery and charging system design and how it is optimized (likely not) for cold weather use. Or the heating system (do you enjoy listening to a noisy RV furnace, or alternating between being hot and cold as the unit cycles?)
Some are better than others, but most RV's really aren't built for cold weather use. However, if you are willing to put some time, money, and elbow grease into it, they can be "improved".
Hope this helps.
Steve
